Buying a new car is a big decision. These days, choosing a car is more than just finding the capabilities you need and the styles you prefer. Limiting one's carbon footprint is now a priority for all manner of vehicle enthusiasts from soccer moms to sports car junkies. Yes, the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles is reaching new heights. The question is, how do you find the most fuel-efficient car, while also finding one that fits your lifestyle?
How Do I Know What's Right For Me?
Fuel-efficient hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles are still very new to the public. How these vehicles work and their differences from conventional gas-powered vehicles are not widely understood. So, you may be asking yourself: How do I know which car is right for me? Below we'll go over tips on EPA ratings and tips for choosing the best fuel-efficient car for you. Here are a few tips to help you in your search:
1. Know What You Need From Your Car
The first step to deciding on a car is to think about your requirements. This seems like an easy step, but you should take the time to consider your vehicle needs. You don't want to jump at the first good deal only to find out it doesn't have the cargo space or fun-to-drive feel you really want.
When thinking about your next car, consider these questions:
- Who will be driving with you most often? What's the maximum number of seats you will need?
- Will you be hauling a lot of cargo? Do you need room for camping equipment, bikes, or other gear?
- Do you want a sophisticated infotainment system?
- What features are must-haves and which are nice-to-haves?
- Will this be a work car? If so, choose an ultra efficient vehicle that you'll put lots of miles on during its life.
- Is speed and flashy styling the priority? Or will you need something that can get past dirt trails and the occasional boulder?
- Is price a factor? If yes, what's the most you want to spend?
You can take advantage of offered versatile feature options while you look for a car with the desired specs you're looking for. If you want space and fuel efficiency but still crave adventure, the RAV4's Adventure grade may be for you.
2. Consider Engine Size
If you haul a lot of items or people around, you may want to have some power under the hood. Keep in mind, you'll pay for that power at the pump. Generally speaking, a car with a 4-cylinder engine is more fuel-efficient than one with a 6 or 8-cylinder engine.
Although, there are some exceptions. For example, a 4-cylinder engine with a turbocharger might actually consume more fuel than a 6-cylinder engine with no turbocharger. Another misconception: hybrid means slow. In many cases these days, hybrid drivetrain systems actually produce more horsepower and torque than their straight gas-burning counterparts.
3. Weigh Your Options
For drivers wanting big savings at the pump, hybrid vehicles might seem like an obvious choice—yet they're often overlooked. Today's tech-advanced hybrid vehicles offer proven reliability and come in a range of types—from compact car to SUV. You may pay a little bit more for a hybrid upfront. However, the anticipated savings at the gas station are often worth it. Hybrids are some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market.
Depending on the hybrid model you choose, you could save hundreds of dollars a year in fuel costs while never noticing a difference in performance. If you're looking to likely save even more on gas, consider a plug-in hybrid model.
A plug-in hybrid is a car that has the capability to run fully electric. As the name suggests, you plug the car in to charge it.
You may be asking: What if I'd like to use an electric car as my work car? A lot of drivers are opting for electric vehicles to commute to and from work. But, if you're new to electric vehicles, you might be wondering if that's a good option for you.
Explore Toyota's electrified lineup and estimate the benefits of driving electric.
If you're not sure what car is right for you, you can compare two or more cars side-by-side. For instance, let's say you're thinking about the Corolla Hatchback. Explore also take a look at a side-by-side comparison between other Toyotas and a competitor vehicle, like the Honda Civic (Corolla vs. Civic).
4. Fuel Economy and EPA Ratings
When comparing two cars, you might be curious about the EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings. What do they mean and how do they arrive at that number?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates cars on two types of driving:
1. City - this means driving in urban areas where the traffic is stop and go during rush hour. Your commute to work is a great example of this.
2. Highway - this means driving on both interstate highways and in rural areas. Think road trips or long peaceful drives where you hold continuous speeds for long periods of time.
The EPA arrives at these numbers by placing the vehicle on a machine called a dynamometer. The dynamometer measures data from the vehicle on a flat platform with rollers under the vehicle wheels. The dyno then runs through standardized testing routines called cycles. There are cycles for both city and highway driving.
As the vehicle runs through the test, a hose connected to the tailpipe will collect carbon exhaust data. This data is then used to figure out how much fuel is being burned. The EPA employs different methods for electric and fuel cell vehicles.
It is important to note that EPA-estimated ratings are provided by the EPA and are for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage will vary for many reasons, including driving conditions and how the vehicle is driven and maintained. To learn more about EPA ratings, you can visit the EPA's website here or learn about the various parts of the fuel economy label. In the last section, we'll go over a tip that can help you save.
5. Buy a New Hybrid
If you're looking to save some gas money, buying a hybrid is the perfect way to fill up for less. With each new model year, cars become more and more fuel-efficient. Not only that, Toyota offers both hybrid and gas models at similar starting price points. The slightly higher cost of Toyota hybrid models could easily be outweighed by savings at the pump, depending on how much you drive.
Whether you commute to work or are an avid traveler, you'll likely be spending less time fueling and more time getting places. For example, you can take home the new 2025 Corolla LE w/CVT with an EPA-estimated 32/41/35 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating. Its hybrid counterpart, the 2025 Corolla Hybrid LE w/ECVT, has an EPA-estimated 53/46/50 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating. The possibilities for adventure are endless with the significantly more fuel-efficient hybrid drivetrain.
Hybrid, plug-in, and gas-powered cars are getting better and more sophisticated with each year. In general, the newer the car, the more efficient the fuel-consumption technology.
Four of the Best Fuel-Efficient Toyota Cars
Now that you know what to look for, check out which of these four fuel-efficient Toyota vehicle suggestions fits your lifestyle. Or, view all the Toyota fuel-efficient car options and Toyota Hybrid SUVs to pick one for yourself.
1. Crown
If you're looking for a sporty car that's packed with some of the latest tech features offered by Toyota, then consider the Toyota Crown. A head-turning design, spacious interior, standard all-wheel drive, a standard large 12.3-in Toyota Multimedia touchscreen, and an EPA-Estimated Combined Rating of up to 41 MPG make it a comfortable and practical city cruiser. Those who want to maximize their drive will want to opt for the Platinum trim, which comes with a Hybrid MAX powertrain that generates up to 340 system net horsepower paired with a Direct Shift-6AT 6-Speed Automatic Transmission.
2. Prius
The Prius has a reputation for great fuel performance. Fuel efficiency doesn't mean you can only drive city roads. The Prius captivates with its aerodynamic design and remarkable EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings of up to 57 mpg combined.
3. Prius Prime
The Toyota Prius Prime features a refreshed exterior design, sophisticated interior and combined power output of 220 system net horsepower. With EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of up to 52 combined and EPA-estimated all-electric driving range rating of up to 44 miles the Prius Prime is a solid choice for anyone looking for a plug-in hybrid sedan.
4. Camry
The all-new 2025 Camry is one of Toyota's best fuel-efficient vehicles, featuring impressive standard features and a multitude of available upgrades. With an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of up to 51 mpg combined, the 2025 Camry blends a great drive with an even better fuel economy. The 2025 Camry's hybrid powertrain generates up to 232 system net horsepower. Find your local Toyota dealer for the best deals on fuel-efficient vehicles.